Washington, D.C. (May 24, 2024): As you can see from the photo above, Memorial Day is felt most strongly by veterans who lost comrades in combat. In this photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Ramon Go, a Vietnam War veteran places his hand on “The Moving Wall” at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial during Honor Flight San Diego’s “Tour of Honor.” A small group of former Navy SEALs and members of Naval Special Warfare’s active force volunteered to escort ninety Vietnam War veterans on a three-day trip to Washington to visit the memorials honoring their sacrifice.

Originally known as Decoration Day, today’s Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Interestingly, the earliest celebrations of Memorial Day were organized by formerly enslaved people in Charleston, South Carolina right after the Confederacy surrendered. On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Civil War soldiers buried there. After World War I, President Woodrow Wilson declared the holiday would recognize those who paid the ultimate price in all U.S. wars.  

On this solemn day, Americans participate in parades, remembrance ceremonies, and moments of prayer. Many active-duty troops join in civilian celebrations by providing color guards or uniformed personnel for parades and memorials. On a less somber note, the three-day Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial beginning of summer.

On this day, let’s hope Americans pause their celebrations to express gratitude for those who gave their lives so that others live free.